Berberine usage should be avoided in pregnancy, due to potential for causing uterine contractions and miscarriage, and in jaundiced neonates because of its bilirubin displacement properties.
- Birdsall TC, Kelly GS. -- Berberine: Therapeutic potential of an alkaloid found in several medicinal plants. -- Altern Med Rev 1997;2:94-103.

The use of the herb and other traditional Chinese medicines containing a high proportion of berberine is best avoided in jaundiced neonates and pregnant women.
- Biol Neonate 1993;63(4):201-8 -- Displacement of bilirubin from albumin by berberine. -- Chan E.